Taulava going to Meralco after Asiad
MANILA, Philippines—In a deal reportedly consummated in Bangkok, many-time Philippine team center Asi Taulava found his way in the lineup of PBA newcomer Meralco.
Aside from Taulava’s former mother club Powerade, perennial cellar-dweller Barako Bull was also involved in the trade where the Tigers got very little for the very big, talented player that they gave up. The Tigers got Rob Reyes from Barako Bull, which, in turn, gained journeyman Jason Misolas and rookie Khazim Mirza from Meralco. Powerade also dealt former UAAP MVP Kenneth Bono to Barako Bull. The B-Boys, as what Meralco will be known, will see action in the only game scheduled to open up the 36th Season on Oct. 3, clashing with Barangay Ginebra.
The league newcomers had also snagged Mac Cardona from sister team Talk ’N Text about a month ago and coach Ryan Gregorio said he’s excited in the acquisition of the 6-foot-9 Taulava. “It will be finalized in the next few hours,” Gregorio said over the phone last night. “He (Taulava) has been on top of our list for a solid No. 5 (center).” Asked why they gave up Taulava, Powerade coach Bo Perasol said: “This may look as a retreat move for us. But looking back, nothing happened to us with (him in) our old lineup. “Secondly, we will miss Taulava anyway ,” Perasol added. “Because we want changes, we will look at young players, we will look at who we can develop.” Taulava, who was loaned to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas five for the Asian Games in November, will be joining only his third PBA team. He spent the best years of his career with Talk N’ Text before he was traded to the Tigers. The deal has also left veteran Dennis Espino as the Tigers’ only legitimate, reliable center.
Aside from Taulava’s former mother club Powerade, perennial cellar-dweller Barako Bull was also involved in the trade where the Tigers got very little for the very big, talented player that they gave up. The Tigers got Rob Reyes from Barako Bull, which, in turn, gained journeyman Jason Misolas and rookie Khazim Mirza from Meralco. Powerade also dealt former UAAP MVP Kenneth Bono to Barako Bull. The B-Boys, as what Meralco will be known, will see action in the only game scheduled to open up the 36th Season on Oct. 3, clashing with Barangay Ginebra.
The league newcomers had also snagged Mac Cardona from sister team Talk ’N Text about a month ago and coach Ryan Gregorio said he’s excited in the acquisition of the 6-foot-9 Taulava. “It will be finalized in the next few hours,” Gregorio said over the phone last night. “He (Taulava) has been on top of our list for a solid No. 5 (center).” Asked why they gave up Taulava, Powerade coach Bo Perasol said: “This may look as a retreat move for us. But looking back, nothing happened to us with (him in) our old lineup. “Secondly, we will miss Taulava anyway ,” Perasol added. “Because we want changes, we will look at young players, we will look at who we can develop.” Taulava, who was loaned to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas five for the Asian Games in November, will be joining only his third PBA team. He spent the best years of his career with Talk N’ Text before he was traded to the Tigers. The deal has also left veteran Dennis Espino as the Tigers’ only legitimate, reliable center.
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